Perturbation theory for double-time temperature-dependent Green functions

Abstract

A perturbation theory is developed for normal many-particle systems by expanding the inverse of the advanced and retarded Green functions. Both systems with direct interactions and systems with interactions through a quantum field are considered. For the former, the infinite set of coupled equations is written down and the various methods of decoupling discussed. Systems with weak, hard sphere type, or coulomb interactions are considered and the connections with other methods discussed. For systems with quantum field interactions, the chain of equations involves both fermion and boson Green functions and the first approximation can be much better than in earlier cases. This latter approach seems to be more convenient when collective oscillations are important.